"The Most Important Thing Is to Stay Consistent"

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I have inherited creativity from my dad. He encouraged me to sketch and paint since I was a little girl. I was good at it too, but as time passed, I lost touch with it. While I was in my 2nd year of B.Tech, I took an art course which made me realise how much I had missed it.

I started with illustrations and watercolour and was introduced to hand lettering through Instagram. The rest of my college life, I painted, sketched and lettered all through. I now work as a Data Analyst and take time out for my art. I primarily create hand-lettered quotes and watercolour paintings.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be a painter/illustrator?

I have known since my 4th year of college that I want to be an artist. I am living the corporate life for now, because sometimes logic beats what the heart wants. But I already have a plan in mind, and I will definitely pursue art as my career eventually.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

In my opinion, it depends on how one wants to pursue art as their career. Some get creative jobs and are financially stable. While others do not wish to work for someone else. In that case, creating earning opportunities for yourself can be tough. But I believe, once one knows how to do that and is enthusiastic enough, it can be a smooth road.

4. Who is your favourite illustrator, and why?

I have been following so many senior lettering and illustration artists, it is difficult to pick one, so I’ll name a few. I adore the work of lettering artists Ian Barnard, Emilee Rudd and watercolour artists Vijay Biswal, Polina Bright and Jeannie Dickson.

5. Where do you get inspired to create art?

I get inspired by so many things around. Most of the times, I am inspired by nature. I try to take natural subjects for watercolour paintings and try to incorporate some florals or leaves in the lettered quotes. For the font styles, I try to study the different types and techniques which are already out there. I then tweak them according to my composition. I also get inspired by the works of other artists.

6. What does your typical day look like?

I spend my day working, and at night when I get time for myself, I draft compositions for quotes and finalise them mostly over the weekends.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring illustrators?

The most important thing I have realised is to stay consistent. Even if it is a busy day, and you can only spare 15 mins, create something, anything. It makes a huge difference. Also, trying new things is essential as there is an ocean of creativity out there, you never know what subject, technique or style you might connect to the most.

Interview by - Suhani Mangleek